German wines are a thing of wonder. Frequently misunderstood, as they have odd names most people cant pronounce, they’re a great value and Riesling is truly the most noble of grapes.

J.J. Prüm is one of the greatest wineries in the world and some would argue, the greatest winery in the Mosel. Let’s break down the label. The order is village - vineyard - style.

Bernkasteler is a wine from Tephra village of Bernkastel. Badstube is the vineyard. Kabinett is the style. Kabinett is the lowest rung of the "pradikat" system of German wine classifications. Kabinett wines are dry (unless otherwise stated) and from mature grapes. Low in alcohol, with no sugar added, they are fruity, perfumed, and balanced for everyday consumption. Try it with cheese, sausage or a schnitzel.

Mont des Cats
Cow
France
$35 per pound

This is very good washed rind cheese made by Trappist monks at the Abbaye du Mont des Cats in French Flandres. The cheese has been in production since 1890 and is named after the hill where the abbey is located. The hill name itself is derived from the name of a Germanic tribe known as Chatti (French: Chattes; Dutch; Chatten), living in the area after the fall of the Roman Empire (5th century). It has a pungent salty taste which pairs perfectly with German Riesling.